Apparatus and method for using effervescent tablets for cosmetic care

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and method for providing cosmetic treatment to skin comprise one material chemically active in a solid form preferably in a tablet form and a second material which is chemically reactive with the first material so that effervescence is produced during the reaction. The chemically active materials may be activated by a user for providing cosmetic treatment to skin. The activation releases effervescence which urges granules of the reacting materials onto the skin. The size of the granules lowers during the reaction thus providing continuously refining peeling to the skin.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/279,510, filed Sep. 29, 2016, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/644,325, filed on Mar. 11, 2015, which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/171,713, filed onJun. 29, 2011, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/482,302, filed on May 4, 2011, which eachincorporated in its entirety herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to method and apparatus for applyingcosmetic treatment to skin and more particular, method for applyingcosmetic treatment to skin using effervescent chemical composition andto apparatus for applying such treatment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Facial skin cleaning, brightening or rejuvenating by chemical treatment,laser treatment or by exfoliation using machine driven means are knownin the art. Such methods typically require medical supervision andinvolve some risk of damaging side effects, pain and discomfort duringtreatment. These methods typically require long recovery time betweentreatments. Also known in the art are methods for using creamscomprising granules (or microcrystals), such as of alumina, which areapplied to the outer layers of the skin using mechanical means such as avibrator. These methods achieve limited level of penetration of theresurfacing microcrystals into the treated skin and suffer of a fixlevel of skin cells removal as dictated by the size of the microcrystalsthroughout the treatment.

Method and means for skin treatment that provide high level ofpenetration of the treating material into the skin, that graduallylowers the level of skin cell removal throughout the treatment toprovide improved final level of skin smoothness and that may be safelyapplied, preferably by the person himself, with no pains or recoverytime, are desired. The desired method and means should be inexpensiveand easily achievable, virtually anywhere.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully fromthe following detailed description taken in conjunction with theappended drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a flow diagram illustrating method of applying cosmetic skintreatment, according to embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D show apparatuses for holding a shaped tabletaccording to embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 2A and 2B show apparatuses for holding a shaped tablet accordingto embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 3A and 3B depict applicators for holding a shaped tablet accordingto embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C and FIGS. 5A and 5B show liquid containers andtablet holders according to embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D show various shapes of capsule tablets accordingto embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 7A and 7B show various forms of a squirter apparatus comprisingcapsule shaped tablet according to embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 8A and 8B show a squirter similar to the squirter of FIGS. 7A and7B featuring a rotation and vibration movements applicable to a tabletof the present invention;

FIGS. 9A and 9B show mouth hygiene apparatuses comprising a tabletaccording to embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 10A, 10B and 10C show handheld evaporative humidifier apparatusescomprising each a tablet according to embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 11A, 11B and 11C depict skin treatment tool adapted to operatewith skin treatment tablet according to embodiments of the presentinvention, in side view, bottom view and blown view, respectively; and

FIGS. 12, 12A and 12B depict a blow-up view of skin treatment tool 1200,a partial sectional view of treatment tool 1202 and a top view ofmediator 1206, respectively, according to embodiments of the presentinvention.

The following detailed description of the invention refers to theaccompanying drawings referred to above. Dimensions of components andfeatures shown in the figures are chosen for convenience or clarity ofpresentation and are not necessarily shown to scale. Wherever possible,the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings and thefollowing description to refer to the same and like parts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Skin treatment in general and cosmetic skin treatment more particularlyemploy a variety of means and materials aimed to serve a variety oftargets, such as removal of the epidermal layer (upper/outer layer) ofthe skin, lightening the skin color, applying of aromatic ormoisturizing materials, applying medical compositions, vitamins ordisinfectants, etc. Such treatment means and materials as known in theart are typically expensive and have limited effect due to their limitedability to penetrate into, or through the upper-most outer layer of theepidermal skin layer.

According to embodiments of the present invention the well knownphenomena of the effervescence effect of the chemical reaction ofcertain first and second materials, such as baking soda (sodiumbicarbonate) with certain other materials, such as citric acid(C₆H₈O_(7(aq))) may be utilized in cosmetic skin treatment to achieveimproved treatment results with respect to the depth of removedepidermis layer, the level of penetration of treating materials into theskin and the final smoothness of the treated skin at the end of thetreatment. The first material may be acidic with low value of pH, forexample lower than 7 and the second material may be a base with highvalue of pH, for example higher than 7. As is well known the chemicalreaction of baking soda with citric acid is defined by:

Similarly, the chemical reaction of tartaric acid with sodiumbicarbonate is defined by:

This phenomenon may be utilized, according to embodiments of the presentinvention, by using the gas that is released during the reaction (e.g.CO₂) to push and force the treating material granules into the treatedskin, deeper than is possible without the assistance of the releasedgas. The treating material may be, according to embodiments of thepresent invention, merely the granules of the first active material,e.g. baking soda or sodium bicarbonate. In some embodiments the treatingmaterial may also contain granules of one or more of materials producedduring the chemical reaction. These granules may act on the skin like anemery paper when buffed into the treated skin. The treating reactingmaterial or materials may be buffed into the skin using one or more ofthe various means presented and described in details below. Thephenomenon described above may also be used for skin cosmetic treatmentusing means other than those described in this application, as long asthe reacting at least two materials are applied into the treated skin ina buffing manner. It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the artthat other solutions may be used, which, when reacting, createeffervescence effect.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the reactingmaterials may be Zeolite and water According to some embodiments, whenusing Zeolite as a reacting material, pre-charging process may berequired, to create a carbonized Zeolite. It will be apparent to aperson skilled in the art that carbonized zeolite may release highvolumes of carbon dioxide when in contact with water and even withvapor.

It will also be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the firstand/or second materials may be provided in any adequate phase, e.g.solid, powder, liquid, gel or gas—as long as their chemical reactionwill provide granules and gas. In some embodiments at least one of thefirst and second active materials may be provided in liquid form (e.g.dissolved in water or the like) or dissolved in gel. The liquid or gelin which one of the active materials is dissolved may be used, accordingto embodiments of the present invention as a wetting, gliding or oilingmaterial to provide smoother gliding of an apparatus of the presentinvention with treated skin. According to additional embodiment thecarrying liquid and/or gel may be used to provide treating materials tothe treated skin. The chemical features of such carrying liquid or gelmay be selected as may be desired, e.g. to have no effect on thechemical reaction, to release one or more product materials that haspositive effect on the treated skin, as may be required, etc.

According to yet further embodiments of the present invention thecontinuing decrease in the size of the granules of the reacting firstmaterial, e.g. baking soda, zeolite, and the like, due to the chemicalreaction, may be utilized for continuous refining of the level ofepidermis removal, resulting in refined smoothness of the skin at theend of the treatment. This may last as long as the emery paper effect ofthe particles is effective for removal and/or smoothing the treatedskin. According to embodiments of the present invention the initial sizeof the granules of the first material may be selected for treatment witha defined level of initial skin removal capacity and the rate ofgranules size reduction may be controlled to fit the specific treatmentneeds. It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that othersolutions may also be used according to embodiments of the presentinvention which, when reacting, act on the granules of at least oneactive material to reduce their size during the reaction.

Tablet Compositions and Additives

According to embodiments of the present invention the treating materialsmay be provided in the form of a tablet that may have defined from, thatmay contain the required materials for achieving the required treatmentgoals and that may be applied to the treated skin during the treatmentusing specially designed apparatuses, as is described in details hereinbelow. The term ‘tablet’, as used throughout this specification, relatesto material or materials that are adapted to participate in a chemicalreaction and that are provided in a solid form, having a defined shape,where not all of the materials contained in the tablet necessarilyadapted to participate in that chemical reaction. Additionally totreatment effects according to the present invention that were mentionedabove, tablets made according to embodiments of the invention maycomprise, additionally to the first and second active materials,materials for treating the skin, for lightening its color, for providingodors, for providing vitamins, for casing exothermic effect, etc. Theamount of each of the ingredients in a tablet, as well as their order ofrelease, their level of solubility and other respective features may beset so as to fulfill the treatment goals it is designed for, as isexplained in details below. US application Publication No. 2008/0146487(O'Connor et al.), to which reference is made now, describes certainpossible uses of tablets with numerous ingredients for providingdifferent phases of user experience when bathing. The described tabletsare made for dissolving in the bath water and are made of several layersof the desired materials so that the release of each layer, in its turn,into the bath water, provides different user experience. However, US2008/0146487 does not disclose or suggest direct application of thetablets on a human's skin for achieving cosmetic treatment effects, nordoes it disclose use of the effervescence effect for enhancing thecosmetic treatment effect or reliance on the lessening size of granulesof material in the tablet for controlling the cosmetic treatment effectso as to refine the final smoothness of the skin. Moreover, effects ofmaterials included in the tablets described in US 2008/0146487 on theuser's skin are limited to the exposure of the skin to their presencenext to the user's body, after the tablet is dissolved in the amount ofbath water, typically tens of liters or more. For example, use ofexothermic ingredients in the tablets disclosed in US 2008/0146487 isexpected to have very limited experience effect for a bathing user whenthis ingredient is dissolved in tens of mild temperature liters ofwater.

Compositions of Effervescent Tablet

The choice of ingredients for effervescent granules may be deducted bothby the requirement of the manufacturing process and the necessity ofmaking a preparation which dissolves in water. The required ingredientsare at least one acid or neutral PH material, and at least one basematerial. The base should release, according to embodiments of thepresent invention, carbon dioxide upon reaction with the acid or neutralPH materials. Examples of such acids may include tartaric acid andcitric acid. Examples of bases include sodium carbonate, potassiumbicarbonate, sodium bicarbonate and zeolite. Effervescent granules mayusually be prepared from a combination of citric and tartaric acidrather than from a single acid because the use of either acid alone maycause difficulties. When tartaric acid is the sole acid, the resultinggranules readily crumble and lack mechanical strength. Citric acid alonemay result in a sticky mixture which is difficult to granulate duringthe manufacturing process. Effervescent salts may include the followingingredients, which may actually produce the effervescence: sodiumbicarbonate, citric acid and tartaric acid. When added to water theacids and base may react to liberate carbon dioxide, resulting ineffervescence. It should be noted that any acid-base combination whichresults in the liberation of carbon dioxide could be used in place ofthis combination as long as the ingredients are suitable forpharmaceutical use.

The reaction between citric acid and sodium bicarbonate and tartaricacid and sodium bicarbonate, which results in liberation of carbondioxide, has been shown above in formulas (1) and (2). It should benoted that it requires 3 molecules of sodium bicarbonate to neutralize 1molecule of citric acid and 2 molecule of sodium bicarbonate toneutralize 1 molecule of tartaric acid. The proportion of acids may bevaried, as long as the total acidity is maintained and the bicarbonatecompletely neutralized. Usually it is desired that ratio of citric acidto tartaric acid equals 1:2 so that the desired ratio of the ingredientscan be calculated as follows:Citric acid:Tartaric acid:Sodium bicarbonate=1:2:3.44 (by weight)  (3)

The United States Pharmacopeia (USP) 24 includes the following sevenmonographs, that may be used for tablets according to embodiments of thepresent invention:

-   -   1. Acetaminophen for Effervescent Oral Solution;    -   2. Aspirin Effervescent Tablets for Oral Solution;    -   3. Potassium Bicarbonate Effer-vescent Tablets for Oral        Solution;    -   4. Potassium Bicarbonate and Potassium Chloride for Effervescent        Oral Solution;    -   5. Potassium Bicarbonate and Potassium Chloride Efferves-cent        Tablets for Oral Solution;    -   6. Potassium and Sodium Bicarbonates and Citric Acid for Oral        Solution; and    -   7. Potassium Chloride, Potassium Bicarbonate, and Potassium.        Lubricants

A perfect lubricant for effervescent products must be nontoxic andwater-soluble. Very few traditional lubricants fulfill theserequirements. Intrinsic lubricants are added to the powder mixture andconsequently included in the formulation. When added in solid form, thelubricant will have to be finely divided. Metal stearates, such asmagnesium or calcium stearate that serve as lubricants in conventionaltablets, are seldom used as intrinsic lubricants in connection witheffervescent tablets due to their insolubility in water. Use ofstearates results in an undissolved, foamy, soapy-tasting layer on thesurface of the cloudy solution. In addition, normal lubricantconcentrations of metal stearates make the tablets hydrophobic, whichentails a slow dissolution of the effervescent tablet in the water.

However, very low concentrations of metal stearates can be used toimprove the rate of solution of effervescent tablets as the tablet willremain immersed in the water during dissolution and not float to thesurface the way a tablet without metal stearate would. A floating tabletpresents a smaller surface area to the water than a tablet immersed inthe liquid. Sodium stearate and sodium oleate are water-soluble in lowconcentrations. They have the characteristic soapy taste, whichvirtually precludes their use in oral effervescent products but can beused for topical applications. A combination of 4% polyethylene glycol(PEG) 6000 and 0.1% sodium stearyl fumarate proved to be a goodlubricant for ascorbic acid tablets made by direct compression on asmall scale. Sodium chloride, sodium acetate, and D,L-leucine(water-soluble lubricants) also have been suggested for effervescenttablets. The lubricant used in effervescent formulations should combinehydrophobic and hydrophilic properties in order to achieve both goodlubrication and a short disintegration time. A medium polar lubricant isthe best compromise such as Fumaric acid. Surfactants such as sodiumlauryl sulfate and magnesium lauryl sulfate also act as lubricants.

Extrinsic lubrication is provided via mechanisms that apply alubricating substance, normally paraffin oil, to the tableting toolsurface during processing. One method makes use of an oiled felt washerattached to the lower punch below the tip. This washer wipes the diecavity with each tablet ejection. To avoid having tablets stick to thepunch faces, materials such as polytetrafluorethylene or polyurethanehave been applied to the faces. Another lubrication method sprays a thinlayer of lubricant (either liquid or solid lubricant) onto the toolsurfaces after one tablet is ejected and before the granulate of thenext tablet enters the die cavity. Products containing acetylsalicylicacid do not usually require additional lubrication.

Glidants

Glidants are usually not necessary. Free-flowing granulates, ingredientsof appropriate physical form for direct compression, and the largetablet diameters make it possible to exclude the use of glidants.

Antiadherent

The adherence of the granulate or powder mixture to the surfaces of theapparatus used to apply a tablet according to embodiments of the presentinvention, so-called picking, can be eliminated by using discs, such asthose made of polytetrafluorethylene or poly-urethane, cemented to thepunch surfaces of the apparatus.

Binders

Binders are commonly used when making conventional tablets. The bindersare either added in dry form or dissolved in a suitable solvent and thenadded in connection with a wet-granulation process. Most binders arepolymers and increase the plastic deformation of the formulation. Theuse of binders will normally prevent a rapid dissolution of theeffervescent tablet. Effervescent granules may be formulated withbinders since their large surface area, when compared with that of theconventional or the effervescent tablet will result in rapiddissolution. At effervescent granulation composed of anhydrous citricacid and NaHCO₃ made with dehydrated alcohol as the granulating liquid,citric acid dissolved during the massing function as a binder.

In order to compress ascorbic acid from a combination with NaHCO₃,granulation is required. Common water-soluble binders, such aspolyvinylpyrrolidone (polyvidone) or polyvinylpyrrolidone-poly(vinylacet-ate)-copolymer, led to a change of color on the part of theascorbic acid granules. Hydrogenated maltodextrins containing highamounts of maltitol were chosen, according to embodiments of the presentinvention, from a wide range of dextrins and maltodextrins as possiblebinders. Maltitol is a suitable binder for ascorbic acid effervescenttablets. Formation of crystal bridges of maltitol is the assumed bindingmechanism. PEG 6000 may function both as a binder and as a lubricant.

Disintegrants or Dissolution Aids

Disintegrants, which are used in conventional tablets, are not normallyused in effervescent tablets because one of the marketing demands isthat a clear solution should be obtained within a few minutes afteradding the tablet to a glass of cold water.

Aroma Via Flavors or Fragrances

Various dry flavors are available. The flavors used must bewater-soluble or water-dispersible. Suitable emulsifier or surfactantmay be added for better incorporation of liquid aromatic oils into drytablet formulation and its better dispersibility on the skin.

Surfactants

This type of excipient is sometimes used to increase the wetting anddissolution rate of drugs and actives. Attention must be paid to theformation of foam.

Antifoaming Agents

To reduce the formation of foam, and consequently the tendency ofadditives to the tablet to stick surfaces nest to the water border line,an antifoaming agent, such as polydimethyl-siloxane, can be used.However, antifoaming agents do not normally form constituents ofeffervescent products.

Stability

The greatest problem with effervescent products is the loss ofreactivity with time if exposed prematurely to moisture (i.e., thestability of the effervescent system). In addition, the stability oftablet additives and some excipients, such as flavors, also must beconsidered. Effervescent compositions may be markedly stabilized if theNaHCO₃ is partly converted to the corresponding carbonate. Usually, thedesired degree of stability is attained if approximately 2-10% of theweight of the bicarbonate is converted to the carbonate.

Potential Cosmetic Actives

Vitamins

Water soluble vitamins which can be incorporated in a powder form arepreferred: Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid—can serve also as acid foreffervescent reaction), group of Vitamins B (B1 (thiamin), B2(riboflavin), B3 (Niacin), B6 (pyridoxine), Pro-vitamin B5 (Panthenol),B9 (Folic Acid), B12 (cobalamin) But to some extent, fat solublevitamins such as A, E, D, F, K and their derivates and co-enzymes can beadded for a spread on and rubbing/massage stage of topical application.Vitamins can serve as moisturizing, anti-oxidant, wrinkle reduction,skin whitening and anti-acne activity.

Plants Extracts

Plant extracts in powder form can be used in both water soluble andwater non-soluble forms. Water non-soluble powder plant extracts canserve as a natural mechanical peeling and toxins/dirt absorbing agent.Plant extracts can serve as moisturizing, anti-oxidant, wrinklereduction, skin whitening, slimming and anti-acne activity, for examplecaffeine. Plant extracts and oils can serve also as aromatic additives.

Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids

Malic, maleic, lactic, salicylic, fruit acids, glycolic acid,hydroxyoctanoic acid, azelaic acid and mixtures of these as well astheir salts may serve as chemical peeling for wrinkle reduction, skinwhitening and anti-acne activity.

Amino Acids and Proteins

These actives are mostly water soluble powders, and may serve asmoisturizing and film forming/emollients agents during and afterapplication of the cosmetic skin treatment according to embodiments ofthe present invention. Suitable amino acids include, e.g., L-tyrosine,isoleucine, ornithine, glutamine, phenylalanine, leucine, lysine,methionine, threonine, taurine, tryptophan, valine, alanine, glycine,arginine, histidine, cysteine, asparagine, proline and serine, andmixtures thereof.

Polyssacharides

Polysaccharides that may be useful according to embodiments of thisinvention are dry solid anhydrous substances such as sorbitol, sugars,(such as trehalose) starches, modified starches (e. g. aluminum octenylsuccinate) and mixtures thereof. These actives are water solublepowders, can serve as moisturizing and film forming/emollients agentsduring and after application. Their film forming activity has usually asoothing effect. Alginic acid, guar gum and algae extracts are typicalexamples. These materials may also serve as dirt absorbing and waterswelling medium during and after application. Starches are also suitableemollients. Typical of this class is tapioca and arabinogalactan.Furthermore, polyssacharides and their derivates can serve as tabletformulation binders: starches, natural gums, cellulose gums,microcrystalline cellulose, methylcellulose, cellulose ethers, sodiumcarboxymethylcellulose, ethylcellulose, gelatin, dextrose, lactose,sucrose, sorbitol, mannitol, polyethylene glycol, polyvinylpyrrolidone,pectins, alginates, polyacrylamides, polyvinyloxoazolidone,polyvinylalcohols and mixtures thereof.

Gliding Agent

Gliding agent, such as PEG-14M (usable in shaving gels), can ease thegliding of tablet on the skin during the application. It also can serveas binder during tablet production.

Minerals

Examples of minerals which may be used as additives to tablets for skintreatment according to embodiments of the present invention includecalcium, iron, zinc, selenium, copper, iodine, magnesium, phosphorus,chromium and mixtures thereof. The base which is capable of generatingcarbon dioxide is also considered as mineral. Examples of suitablecarbonate bases include sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, sodiumsesquicarbonate, potassium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate, calciumcarbonate, magnesium carbonate, magnesium oxide, sodium glycinecarbonate, L-lysine carbonate, arginine carbonate, zinc carbonate, zincoxide, zeolite and mixtures thereof. Some natural minerals such assodium or magnesium, magnesium silicate and bentonites can serve also asswelling agents. Some minerals such as magnesium oxide or zeolites canalso serve for exothermic effect during water addition.

Disinfectants

Antibacterials and fungicidals may be included as skin benefit agents.Representative of these categories are triclosan, tricloban, hexetidene,chlorhexadene, gluconates, zinc salts (e. g. zinc citrate and zincphenolsulfonate) and combinations thereof. Benzoyl peroxide is known asvery effective treatment for acne and may be added to tablet for skintreatment according to embodiments of the present invention.

Pain Relief and Anti-Inflammatory Agents

Menthol, camphor, methyl salicylate, clove oil, allantoin, benzylalcohol may be used as pain relief and/or inflammatory agents for use asingredients of a tablet for skin treatment according to embodiments ofthe present invention.

Surfactants

Surfactants such as polysorbate 80 and sodium lauryl sulfate may servefor cleansing of the skin or as surfactant aid during tablet formulationwhen added to tablets for skin treatment.

Natural or Synthetic Oils and Waxes

Emollients may be in the form of natural or synthetic esters/waxes,silicone oils/waxes, hydrocarbons, starches, fatty acids and mixturesthereof, including bees wax, silicon waxes, bee pollen, bran, wheatgerm, kelp, cod liver oil, ginseng, and fish oils, glucosamine,chondroitin, methylsulfonylmethane, and mixtures thereof.

Peptides

A long list of additives may be included in skin treatment tablets foranti-aging activity, according to embodiments of the present invention.

Skin Lighteners

Additives typical of this category that may be added to skin treatmenttablets are niacinamide, kojic acid, arbutin, vanillin, ferulic acid andesters thereof, resorcinol, hydroquinone, placental extract andcombinations thereof.

Typical Formulation Example

One effervescent tablet made with weights 1.5 grams (1500 mg), formulafor 1 piece of Vitamin C effervescent tablets:

-   -   Vitamin C 500 mg    -   Pyridoxine 20 mg    -   PVP 3% 45 mg    -   Sucrose 15% 225 mg    -   Citric Acid Monohydrate 208 mg    -   Tartaric Acid 222.9 mg    -   PEG 8000 30 mg        Calculations

Exemplary calculations for 1500 mg tablet for cosmetic skin treatmentaccording to embodiments of the present invention:

-   -   Weight of effervescent tablet=1500 mg        Inner Phase weight (consist of active ingredient, acid, base,        binder and filler) (98%)=98/100×1500 mg=1470 mg        Outer Phase (consists of glidant) (2%)=2/100×1500 mg=30 mg        Acid and Base weight=Inner phase−(active        ingredient+binder+filler)=1470 mg−(520+45+225) mg=680 mg    -   Citric acid monohydrate:        -   Molecular weight=210.13        -   Equivalent number=3        -   Equivalent weight=210.13/3=70.04    -   Tartaric Acid:        -   Molecular weight=150.09        -   Equivalent number=2        -   Equivalent weight=150.09/2=75.05    -   Sodium Bicarbonate:        -   Molecular weight=84.01        -   Equivalent number=1        -   Equivalent weight=84.01/1=84.01    -   70.04 mol Equivalent+75.05 mol Equivalent+84.01 mol        Equivalent=680 mg    -   229.1 mol Equivalent=680 mg    -   mol Equivalent=2.97        -   Citric acid monohydrate=70.04×2.97=208 mg        -   Tartaric Acid=75.05×2.97=222.9 mg        -   Sodium Bicarbonate=84.01×2.97=249.5 mg            Consideration of Materials in the Formula and Method of            Manufacture Selection

A preferable binder for use in the preparation of skin treatment tabletsaccording to embodiments of the present invention is PVP because PVP isa water soluble binder and a selected concentration of 3% of PVP for useas a binder may be selected because in pharmaceutical formulations andtechnology a typical range is 0.5 to 5%. As filler sucrose may be used,because filler used in the effervescent tablet is sugar. Theconcentrations of the selected filler may be, e.g. 15%. The acid thatmay be used is a combination of citric acid monohydrate and tartaricacid which is adapted to formulate tablets with strong effervescenteffect. When using citric acid monohydrate only, the produced granulesmay be sticky and soft, so it can not be compressed, whereas when usedin single-tartaric acid the produced effervescent tablets may be hardand crack able. Sodium bicarbonate may be used as base. PEG 8000 may beused as lubricant.

Applying Cosmetic Skin Treatment

Reference is made now to FIG. 1, which is a flow diagram illustratingmethod of applying cosmetic skin treatment, according to embodiments ofthe present invention. A first active material and a second activematerial (blocks 12 and 14) are provided. These materials may beincluded in a tablet and may be activated in the presence of a liquid,such as water, gel or other kinds of liquid. Optionally gliding liquid,such as water or gel and/or additives of various kinds and for variouspurposes may also be provided (block 15), as discussed in details above.The first and second active materials are allowed to chemically reactand to liberate gas (such as carbon dioxide) through effervescent effect(block 16). According to some embodiments only one active material isrequired which may be activated when exposed to an activating materialsuch as water. Additionally, during the chemical reaction size ofgranules of at least the first active material may be lessened due tothe chemical reaction. The rate of the chemical reaction may becontrolled, for example by controlling the rate of supply of theactivating material, by controlling the temperature of the reaction orits pressure, etc. As a result of the effervescent effect granules of atleast the first active material may penetrate into the treated skindeeper than in known cosmetic treatments and therefore may removeundesired skin cells from deeper skin layers. The effervescent effectmay also assist in providing the additives of the treatment tabletdeeper into the skin layers. In case when exothermic additives are usedthe exothermic effect may amplify the penetration effect of the bubblinggas even more.

The skin treatment tablet may be applied onto the treated skin using oneof the various tablet holders/holding means described in details belowby providing buffing movements over the skin on the treated area (block18) resulting removal of undesired layers of skin.

The rate of the chemical reaction may be controlled to control one ormore of the rate of lessening of the size of granules of the firstactive material and the amount of gas produced during the chemicalreaction (block 20).

Means for Applying Cosmetic Treatment Tablets

Illustrative embodiments of means for applying cosmetic treatmenttablets according to embodiment of the present invention are describedbelow. In the interest of clarity, not all features/components of anactual implementation are necessarily described.

FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D show apparatuses for holding a shaped tabletaccording to embodiments of the present invention comprising a tablet100; and structures 102 or 104. Tablet 100 can be shaped into variousshapes. The shaped tablet can be fitted with various structures anddevices. In this preferred embodiment, solid 100 is shaped into a curvedsurface and may be fitted within structure 102, 104. Structures 102, 104include handle 106, 108 respectively. Handle 106, 108 allow the user toscrub solid 100 against user's body. By wetting the area to be scrubbedand scrubbing the area with tablet 100, tablet 110 dissolves whilecleaning the area. The scrubbing further generates cleaning foam.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show apparatuses for holding a shaped tablet accordingto embodiments of the present invention. Apparatus 202 may be shaped asa lipstick container, comprising solid 200 shaped as stick; and a brush206 or scrapper 208. Container 202 can rotate to expose/hide solid 200,similar to operation of a lipstick container. Cap 204 may be used tocover the remaining of the exposed solid 200.

Attachments 206, 208 may be used to scrub the user's skin whilegenerating foam with the remains of the dissolved solid, or to scrub theskin with the foamed solid. The attachments may be removed and replacedas needed.

FIGS. 3A and 3B depict applicators for holding a shaped tablet accordingto embodiments of the present invention. Applicators 304; 306 are shapedas wide and narrow applicators, respectively. Applicators 304, 306comprise solids/tablets 300, 302 and scrappers 308, 310, respectively.

FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C and FIGS. 5A and 5B show liquid containers andtablet holders according to embodiments of the present invention. Tablet400 may comprise channels 402 allowing liquids to pass through whiledissolving the tablet. Tablet 400 may further comprise mounting base 408shaped as a web. Mounting base 408 may be meshed within solid 400, thusallowing affixing a dissolved tablet. Mounting base 408 may be mountedwithin connector 406. Connector 406 may further comprise holes 404.Holes 404 may allow liquids, for example from container 412, to passthrough while wetting the surface in contact with tablet 400. Sealer 410may fit connector 406 over the opening of squeezable container 412.Squeezing squeezable container 412 may extract contained liquidsthroughout holes 404 and/or channels 402 while dissolving tablet 400.The inner surface of tablet 400 which faces the inner part of thesqueezable container opening, may dissolve and foam while creatingpressure within container 412. The inner foam is also pressurizedextract with the squeezed liquids.

FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D show various shapes of capsule tablets accordingto embodiments of the present invention. Tablet 600 may compriseprojections 602; Tablet 604 may comprise stripes 606 and tablet 608 maycomprise holes 610. Tablet 612 may comprise meshed snap-on locator 614.

FIGS. 7A and 7B show various forms of squirter 701 comprising capsuleshaped tablet according to embodiments of the present invention. Solid700, 704 may comprise adjustment ring 702, 706 respectively. Adjustmentring 702, 706 may fit within niche 708. Pressing button 712 may squirtcontained liquids through nozzle 710. Squirting contained liquids fromwithin container 716, while rubbing affixed tablet 700, 704 may scrubthe skin while dissolving the solid over the rubbed skin. Cap 714 can beremoved in order to fill, refill or empty container 716.

FIGS. 8A and 8B show squirter 801 similar to squirter 701 of FIGS. 7Aand 7B featuring a rotation and vibration movements applicable to thesolid/tablet of the present invention. A preferred embodiment ofSquirter 801, as based on squirter 701, may further comprise batteriescap 804, rotation and/or vibration activation button 806 and rotationand/or vibration movement source 808 fitted with the solid. Activatingthe rotation and/or vibration source during treatment may further scrubthe solid against the skin. The activation button further controls thesquirting through the nozzle. Cap 802 can be removed in order to fill orempty container 800.

FIGS. 9A and 9B show mouth hygiene apparatuses 901, 911 comprising asolid/tablet according to embodiments of the present invention.Apparatus 901 comprising handle 902 adapted to hold solid 900 at itsend, wherein solid 900 may be shaped to enable scrubbing inside themouth cavity. Solid 900 may fit the size of tooth, between tooth, andtongue. Apparatus 911 may comprise handle 912 comprising bristles 906fitted over flexible arm 910. Flexible arm 910 allows bristles 906 towithdraw during brushing thus keeping the remains of the dissolved solid904 in contact with the brushed surface.

FIGS. 10A, 10B and 10C show handheld evaporative humidifier apparatuses1004, 1011 and 1004, respectively, comprising a solid/tablet accordingto embodiments of the present invention. Handheld evaporative humidifier1004 may generate fogged liquids. The fogged liquids may wet the area infront of nozzle 1002 thus foaming scrubbed solid 1000. Controller 1014may control the evaporator, for example by inducing an electrical fieldwith changing filed strength. Handheld evaporative humidifier 1004 maycomprise lid 1006 for filling/refilling contained liquids, and powersource chamber 1012 for placing/replacing power source unit, such asbatteries/chargeable batteries. Solid 1000 may comprise snap on cap 1010which may be adapted to fit onto connector 1008.

Reference is made to FIGS. 11A, 11B and 11C, which depict skin treatmenttool 1100 adapted to operate with skin treatment tablet 1106, accordingto embodiments of the present invention, in side view, bottom view andblown view, respectively. Apparatus 1100 may comprise gel container 1102which is formed to contain gel and to be used also as a handle. Gelcontainer 1102 may be connected to mediator element 1104 at a first endof it. Mediator 1104 may comprise a gel passage allowing gel to flowfrom gel container 1102 towards tablet 1106 connectable to the other endmediator 1104. Tablet 1106 may be formed to fit onto the other end ofmediator element 1104 and may be connected to it by one of variouspossible means, such as snap-to, adhesive, and others. Tablet 1108 maybe formed with hole 1108 in it. Hole 1108 may fit the gel passage (notshown) leading gel from gel container 1102 so as to allow gel to flowthrough it and wet the outer surface of tablet 1106. The outercircumference 1105 of mediator 1104 may be formed with rounded and softedge on the side facing the treated skin to provide soft and smoothtouch with the skin when approaching the end of the tablet duringtreatment. Outer circumference 1105 may be formed to protrude outwardlyfrom the diameter of gel container 1102, to prevent undesired touch oflong nails with the treated skin.

Reference is made now to FIGS. 12, 12A and 12B which are a blow-up viewof skin treatment tool 1200, a partial sectional view of treatment tool1202 and a top view of mediator 1206, respectively, according toembodiments of the present invention. Skin treatment tool 1200 maycomprise gel container 1202 comprising gel passage 1222 at one end. Tool1200 may further comprise gel cap/adaptor 1204 adapted to receive gelcontainer or compartment 1202, for example by snap-on or threadconnecting means. Gel cap 1204 comprises also gel passage 1223 adaptedto receive flow of gel from gel container 1202 through input passage1224 and is made so that its output passage 1226 is located off-centerof cap 1204, so that when mediator 1206 is rotated with respect to cap1204 one of several holes 1230 made in mid-partition 1206A, each havingdifferent diameter, may be placed, one at a time, against output endpassage 1226 of gel, thus providing control means of the rate of flow ofgel towards mediator 1206. Mediator 1206 may further comprise tabletcompartment 1207 formed to comprise treatment tablets according toembodiments of the present invention. Tablet compartment 1207 may becapped by tablet cap 1208 adapted to connect onto mediator 1206 so as toclose tablet compartment 1207 and contain a tablet in there. Tablet cap1208 may comprise gel outlet hole 1208A, made to allow flow of gel outside of tool 1200. As shown in FIG. 12B mediator 1206 may have made inits mid-partition 1206A several holes (or gel passages) 1230A, 1230B,etc., each having different diameter to provide different gel flowcapacity. Mid-partition 1206A may also comprise blocked passage location1230C to allow inactive mode of tool 1200. It would be apparent to oneskilled in the art that mid-partition 1206A may comprise more than twoholes with different diameters. It would also be apparent to a personskilled in the art that other means of controlling the rate of flow ofgel may be employed without departing from the scope of embodiments ofthe present invention.

It should be understood that the above description is merely exemplaryand that there are various embodiments of the present invention that maybe devised, and that the features described in the above-describedembodiments, and those not described herein, may be used separately orin any suitable combination, and the invention can be devised inaccordance with embodiments not necessarily described above.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for cosmetically treating skintissue comprising: a tablet, the tablet comprising at least a firstactive material and at least a second active material, one of the activematerials including a base material and the other of the activematerials including an acid material, said first and said second activematerials being in solid form, the tablet having two opposed faces, anouter, exposed face and an inner-facing face, the faces having formedtherethrough one or more apertures; a handpiece enclosing a volume tocontain an activating material, said activating material being in anon-solid form; the handpiece having an opening to allow access to thevolume; the tablet being connectable at the opening of the handpiece atthe inner-facing face and around the periphery of the outer face of thetablet; the activating material being flowable with and through thetablet through the opening and through the one or more through aperturesformed in the tablet to pass the activating material through the one ormore apertures and to contact the outer, exposed face of the tablet andto produce a chemical reaction; wherein the chemical reaction creates aneffervescent effect within the tablet in the capsule, wherein at leastsome of the effervescent effect takes place on the outer, exposed faceof said tablet, and, wherein the first active material contains granulesfor engaging and treating the skin tissue.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the size of the granules decreases during the chemical reaction.3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the effervescent effect comprises arelease of carbon dioxide (CO₂) gas during the chemical reaction.
 4. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein the handpiece includes a portion which issqueezable and wherein the act of squeezing the handpiece causes theactivating material to leave the handpiece and pass through the one ormore through apertures into the tablet.
 5. A method comprising:providing the apparatus for cosmetically treating the skin tissue ofclaim 1; passing activating material through the one or more throughapertures to cause the tablet to effervesce on the exposed face of thetablet; engaging and rubbing the exposed face of the tablet against theskin tissue, including engaging the skin tissue with the granules,thereby cosmetically treating the skin tissue.
 6. The method of claim 5wherein the activating material is a liquid and the liquid is one ormore of a group comprising water and a gel.
 7. The method of claim 5,wherein the size of the granules decreases during the chemical reaction.8. The method of claim 5, wherein the effervescent effect comprises arelease of carbon dioxide (CO₂) gas during the chemical reaction.
 9. Themethod of claim 5, wherein the granules are pushed towards the skintissue by the effervescent effect.